10653. Thou shalt not make for thee molten gods. That this signifies the worship of self, and not of the Lord, is evident from the signification of "making molten gods," as being to institute worship in accord with the love of self (see n. 10406, 10503); and worship that is in accord with the love of self is the worship of self, and not of the Lord; for the worship of self is the end, and the worship of the Lord is the means to this end. That which is the end rules, and that which is the means serves, nor is the means regarded by the end in any other way than as a servant is regarded by his lord. Such is the worship with those who regard the holy things of the church as means, and dominion as the end.
